Cabbage For The Win!

Cabbage soup may be one of the best foods to keep you healthy through the long winter months. I make a powerhouse cabbage soup, loaded with nutrients from every ingredient. This soup is healing and will get right to work on healing your gut and your health!

Cabbage is a wonder food that will help detox your body in more than one way. Because it is rich in sulfur, it helps aid the liver in breaking down toxins. Then it's diuretic properties help rid the body of excess water, flushing the broken down toxins out of your system! Cabbage also has an abundance of nutrients including vitamin C, K, B1, B3 (niacin), B6, protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, potassium, selenium and iron. All of these nutrients are released into the broth as the soup is simmering, so drinking the broth is very important.

The carrots, celery and onion add even more vitamins and minerals, with the carrots providing beta-carotene and the celery providing folate.

The broth is just as important, as I typically use 4 cups of organic chicken bone broth and 4 cups of organic chicken broth. Bone broth has healing compounds and minerals that boost the immune system. The important healing compounds in bone broth- collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline- are what give bone broth so much healing power. The collagen from the bone broth reduces intestinal inflammation and heals the gut lining. Bone broth is especially important for people with leaky gut. Drinking a couple of quarts a week could work wonders for them! But adding a quart to your cabbage soup creates a healing, healthy and nutrition filled meal that will benefit everyone!

In this recipe I also add garlic with the option to add tumeric and diced organic tomatoes. I don't always put tomatoes in mine, but I know a lot of people like them added. The tumeric is for an added boost, as it will help your body absorb all the nutrients your are consuming! And of course, the garlic. We all know how wonderful garlic is, not just for the taste and added seasoning, but garlic is a great detox and healer itself. If you have a cold or flu symptoms, the garlic will add some extra fighting power to kick it to the curb.

This soup is like drinking down straight nutrients that heal you from the inside out! Bon apetit! I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Homemade Skincare Straight From The Kitchen

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How many of you have spent hundreds of dollars on skin care products that were so-so? The beautiful reality is that a few simple ingredients from your kitchen, or the store, could give you the gorgeous, youthful skin that all the other products promise. And, for much less money.

Ingredients needed for your skincare routine:

Face Wash/Scrub

Epsom Salt

​Manuka Honey

Lemon

Toner/Astringent

Aloe Vera Gel

Apple Cider Vinegar

Moisturizer

Coconut Oil

Manuka Honey

*Please note that I wear makeup, like most women, and typically use a makeup remover/eye makeup remover before starting this skin care regime. You want to avoid the eye area when washing with this formula, so removing eye makeup beforehand is advised.

Your 3 Steps

First, for the face wash, I typically use a mason jar to store my mixture in. Take 4-5 tablespoons of honey, add the juice of half a small lemon and add 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts. Mix the ingredients well together. Wet face with warm water and take a small amount of the face wash and rub it gently onto your skin in circular motions, avoiding the eyes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Secondly, you can either use aloe vera leaf or apple cider vinegar as your toner. You slice open the aloe leaf and rub the inner gel all over your face. Or put some ACV on a cotton ball and gently apply to your skin in circular motions. If you have sensitive skin just stick with the aloe, or dilute the ACV with water.

For the third and final step, we have nature's youthful skin serum, Coconut Oil. And no, this does not mean you have to walk around or go to bed with a super oily face. With coconut oil, it doesn't take much! I use coconut oil as a daytime moisturizer! I apply a very small amount so that I'm not greasy. But at night, you can apply a little bit more, allowing it to absorb into your skin before bed. Prior to washing your face, you can use coconut oil to remove any eye makeup you are wearing. Coconut oil also conditions your eye lashes, making them feel healthy and thicker.

You can use the Manuka honey as a moisturizer too! Gently rub a small amount in circular motions onto your face. Allow the honey to be absorbed into the skin. This is a fabulous over night moisturizer and is one I prefer to use a couple times a week. It makes my skin feel so, so soft and knowing all the nutrients that it is infusing into my skin makes it even that much better!

With the face wash, you can make as little or as much as you would like. Store in a jar in your bathroom, with a spoon to scoop a little bit out at a time to use.

All The Wonderful Perks Of Using These Fine Ingredients

Epsom Salts- These crystallized salts exfoliate the skin, leaving it softer and smoother. They help moisturize the skin, while the minerals increase your skins magnesium levels.

Manuka Honey- This honey is antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It contains amino acids that slough away dead skin cells, balancing the skin's pH. It also oxygenates pores to draw out bacteria, improving acne prone skin. Dry skin is healed quickly with this power moisturizer. Add in all the vitamins and minerals (over 80) and you have a youthful-face salve that's potent and healing.

Lemons- Rich in vitamin C and citric acid, lemons can lighten and brighten your skin if used continuously. They are also antibacterial and can aid in healing acne prone skin.

Aloe Vera-A systematic review for burn healing, performed in South-East Asia, found that Aloe Veraspeeds up skin cell reproduction by as much as eight times and penetrates the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) four times faster than water! The skin healing properties of Aloe Vera are beyond most other plants. When you rub fresh gel from the inner leaf into your skin, you are rubbing enzymes, amino acids, vitamins A,C,E, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6 and B12 into your skin. You are also laying on the minerals, which include calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, iron, potassium and manganese. All of which are essential for skin health and elasticity.

Apple Cider Vinegar-ACV contains high amounts of alpha hydroxy acids, which remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It helps balance the skins pH and can help oily or acne prone areas of the skin.

All of these natural skin care remedies can really help clear up and even out skin tone, along with aiding in the repair of your skin cells. If you have sensitive skin, or any known allergies to any of the ingredients above, please avoid using them. Otherwise, enjoy the benefits of these wonder healers!

Helping the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, while supplying a host of others.

Great news! Avocados have long been loved by southern folk for dressing up their tacos and making guacamole, but there are several ways to eat an avocado! And in even more great news avocados have been found to help the absorption of other nutrients from the food you are eating with it!

Studies have shown that eating about half an avocado, in combination with a spinach, carrot and lettuce salad, increased the absorption of alpha-carotene by 8.3 times, beta-carotene by 13.6 times and lutein by 4.3 times, as compared to just eating the salad alone!

The essential fatty acids found in avocados significantly increased the absorption of fat-soluble, carotenoid phytonutrients from other vegetables. Avocados themselves are loaded with Vitamin K, Folate, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin). So, as you can see, just a little homemade organic salsa and homemade guacamole creates a nutrition powerhouse that you can feed your family throughout the day!
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There are several recipes out there. You can doctor up an avocado in so many ways, just be creative and get them in your belly as much as possible. Avocados provide health building nutrients and then some. Ripe avocados will be firm, but slightly soft when squeezed. Too soft and it will be brown. To hard and you will need to wait a day or two to eat. So if you are looking to make an appetizer today, make sure they are ripe and usable. Bon apetit! To your health!

​These days I'm sure most of us know that eating healthy is essential to staying well. You can tell who eats the hamburgers in life and who eats the fruits and salads. People who eat the hamburgers and fries are sluggish, tired, have trouble focusing and can be easily irritated. Environmental toxins in combination with the toxins found in the foods we eat, produces a pretty heavy load of poison. When you weigh down your body with toxins, they don't just leave your body. A lot of the toxins absorb into the central nervous system, which in turn puts a strain on the digestive system. The livers function is to remove toxins from the body, but if your liver is overtaxed, it will take most of your energy to try to rid your body of said toxins. And, my friends, this will leave YOU fatigued and energy-less. (In other posts, I will share great ways to detox your body of these toxins, along with parasites. Hold tight..). People who eat healthy tend to have more energy, are generally more happy and able to take on more tasks during the day. When we eat dead animals, we are eating something that is energy-less. When you eat fresh fruits and vegetables you are eating something that is alive and vibrating with energy. You are consuming life-force, energy. That energy fuels your body and mind. Eat clean, healthy, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables if you want to be vibrant and full of life. I really like Farmer's Market's to find good fruits and veggies. Or look up a local organic farmer who sells to the community.

Please know that I respect everyone's food choices, whether you are a carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan. Everyone's body is different. I am giving healthier suggestions, for many people who eat meat but want to eat healthier, don't really know how to substitute their protein. But there's plenty of protein found in plant based options and there are some very nutrient-dense dairy products such as grass fed, organic, whole milk kefir, butter and cheese products.

Good nutrition will prevent 95% of all disease. -Linus Pauling

Veggies

​Dark, leafy green vegetables supply an enourmous amount of health benefits. These vegetables provide minerals such as fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and folate. Folate is necessary for DNA duplication and repair, which in turn protects against development of cancer. What to buy: Collards, Spinach, Kale, Mustard Greens, Broccoli, Bok Choy and Chard. What to make: Salads, Wraps, Soups, Stir-Fry, Steamed/Sauteed and Omelets.

Fruits

Berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants and health benefits. Loads of nutrients can be found in just one cup of berries! High amounts of vitamins A,C,D,E,K and several B vitamins are in berries. Calcium, iron, magnesium, phospherus, potassium, zinc, selenium, folate can also be found in berries. As well as omega 3-fatty acids and omega 6-fatty acids. Must.Put.In.Belly.

Citrus fruits will keep you healthy all year round. The high amounts of vitamin C and fiber work wonders for your health and help rid the body of toxins. Juice them if possible or just eat them fresh!

Other fruit with essential vitamins and nutrients are bananas, apples and pears. These are good energy-boosting fruits with lots of fiber and potassium with other minerals and vitamins. Great fruit to grab-on-the-go in the morning!

​One of the best ways to get fruits in your diet is to just add fruit to each meal. If you have a juicer, even better. Juice the citrus fruits and apples. Fruit smoothies with berries are an excellent way to pack the nutrients in and protein shakes with bananas are always good too. We usually buy fruit in our house as a morning starter before breakfast and to snack on throughout the day.

Besides protein, these foods also supply iron, vitamins and other minerals that help in the absorption of the protein. One of my favorite ways to eat nutritional yeast (I advise buying from the health food section where you scoop it out yourself, tastes better than the packaged "brands" that are sold) is to sprinkle it on popcorn! I use a tiny bit of olive oil, tiny bit of Bragg's Amino Acids and then top it with a couple tablespoons of brewer's yeast. Delicious!! Tahini and chickpeas are used to make hummus. Great source of protein to snack on during the day! We make "chunky monkey" protein shakes in our household. Chocolate protein powder, bananas, peanut butter and almond milk with ice, blended. With just one banana, two cups of almond milk, two tablespoons of peanut butter, one scoop of protein powder and some ice is 35 grams of protein. So, so good! You can be creative in how you prepare these foods and there are a ton of recipes online! To your health!!

Health Is Wealth

​Everything is connected. Our bodies, our minds, our souls, our thoughts, the moon, the people we meet. It's quite a magical thought to think of how the Earth provides exactly what our bodies need to flourish and prosper. It is MEANT to be that way. Our bodies are of the Earth just like the fruits and vegetables that grow for us to eat. Our Creator was so splendid in Her Creation, that when we remove the fruits and vegetables from the Earth, they are STILL ALIVE. This is so that we may consume the Divine energy that is pulsating through the plant. Consuming food that is ALIVE is the key to LIVING longer and being healthy enough to enjoy life! Be THANKFUL for your harvest, for the Creator has blessed you with energizing, delicious food that keeps your body young, vibrant and working correctly. All by Divine Design.

Why Supplementing Minerals Could Be The Key To Better Health

Minerals are the building blocks of our bodies. Without minerals, our bodies would become poisoned quite quickly. Minerals allow our bodies to communicate and function properly, ridding the body of toxic buildup. Many experts say that mineral deficiency is the root of all disease and that 90% of Americans suffer from a mineral deficiency. This could be the direct karma of using so many pesticides on our crops. Our soil used to be rich with trace minerals, providing an abundance of minerals through our vegetables and fruits. But now with the overuse of pesticides, our soil has become depleted of minerals. This is something that is still not taught in Med schools, so most doctors will tell you that if you are eating a healthy diet you don't need to supplement. But this simply is not true. From the experts: 90% of Americans are mineral deficient!

​There are a few ways you can be sure to get your minerals. There are trace mineral liquid supplements available that you can add to your water. It is important to note that when adding trace minerals to water, it is best to use distilled water, so that the water is clean of any heavy metals or toxins. You never want to just drink distilled water either, as the water will absorb the minerals from your bones and actually deplete your body of minerals. So it's important to add trace minerals to a gallon of distilled water, that way your body is gaining the minerals without any of the heavy metals or toxins found in regular water. Another great way to get minerals in your food is by using Pink Himalayan salt instead of table salt with your meals. The reason it's pink is because of the iron oxides. There are over 84 trace minerals and macrominerals in Pink Himalayan Salt. Using sparingly on your food throughout the week is a great way to add essential trace minerals to your diet. If you're a vegetarian and don't mind eating cheese, grass-fed, raw whole milk cheese and butter (Amish farms are best for these)are loaded with minerals and are generally good for strong teeth and bones. Organic vegetables are abundant with minerals and essential nutrients. If you're not a huge vegetable eater you can always make a vegetable broth and drink the nutrients. When making a vegetable broth be sure to simmer on low for 24 hours. Then remove the vegetables, as all the nutrients are in the broth now. I like to eat spinach salads with my favorite dressing. Just 2 1/2 cups of spinach provides a daily dose of magnesium. If you are deficient, double it up.

​Here are 3 reasons you need to get on it and find a way to get more minerals in your temple!

​1) Magnesium Deficiency- ​Hello? Do you know what sets off 300 enzyme reactions in your body on a daily basis, that in turn translates thousands of biochemical reactions​ ​that are of great importance to nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, energy production, cell formation, bone formation and nutrient metabolism? That's right, if you want your body to function properly and ward off illness, magnesium is probably necessary. Magnesium deficiency is also linked to depression. So getting enough magnesium helps keep you alive and keeps you happy! A win-win!

​2) ​Selenium Deficiency- Thyroid issues anyone? Sadly, I know a LOT of people with thyroid issues, whether it be hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. A properly functioning thyroid is crucial to your overall health. A high concentration of selenium has been found in thyroids, making it a key component in your thyroid health.

​3) Billions of Signals Every Second- Trace minerals together with ionic minerals conduct and transmit billions of tiny electrical impulses that maintain the function of your heart, muscles, brain, cells and nerves. Without these electrical impulses your heart would literally stop working. Billions of electrical impulses, every second of every day!​​Minerals are responsible for strong bones and connective tissues. They are essential for healthy teeth, skin, hair, nails, skeletal system and organs. If you want to witness the power of minerals, just taking silica alone will super boost your hair strength and growth. Your nails will become hardened and grow quickly too. Eating foods rich in minerals and adding a trace mineral supplement to your routine may be the best way to go if you believe yourself to be in the 90% of the population that may be deficient of minerals.​​References: https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/magnesium https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(15)00055-8 https://nccih.nih.gov/health/vitamins

Bentonite Clay comes from the Earth's volcano's. It is formed when volcanic ash has weathered and aged with water present. It holds a very strong negative electromagnetic charge. This charge becomes activated once water is added to the clay and, in turn, whether we ingest it or use topically, the clay acts like a magnet and pulls metals and toxins to it. (If you choose to use it as a drink, use a teaspoon of powder in a slightly warm glass of water, followed by two more glasses of water.) The clay will work it's way through your digestive track, attracting all the positively charged toxins, heavy metals, GMO toxins, fluoride, candida yeasts, parasites, gangrene, bacterial infections and even radiation poison! This is then excreted from the body. Because clay is not absorbed into the bloodstream and doesn't stay in the system, it is considered non-toxic. Drinking plenty of water is key! You want to clay to keep moving and not get stuck. A detox method to use would be 4 weeks of 1 tsp bentonite clay with plenty of water, every day. Take a week break, then back on for 4 weeks of 2 tsp bentonite clay with plenty of water, every day. This powerful detox method can be used with bentonite clay or diatomaceous earth.

​Not only is Bentonite clay a great way to detox heavy metals and toxins from the body, but there's a high amount of calcium, magnesium, silica, iron and potassium. Clay, literally, absorbs toxins and pathogens, while depositing minerals into your body. There is concern of the small trace amounts of lead found in clay, but this lead is never released into the body, it is excreted alongside the other heavy metals found in the body.

I first discovered activated charcoal when I was bit by a brown recluse spider. I had been gardening and took off my gloves for a moment. I saw another weed and by instinct just reached down and pulled it. I felt a sting and knew I had been bit but didn't know by what. The next day my finger itched like crazy and was turning red. I felt a painful surge (venom) shoot up my forearm and the skin began to literally deteriorate on my knuckle, so much so that you could see my bone! Now any normal person would have been heading to the hospital, but I was heading to research a natural remedy for spider bites. I learned about making an activated charcoal paste by simply opening two capsules of the black powder and mixing it with a couple drops of water to create a paste. You then apply it to the site of the bite and it apparently absorbed the venom back out. So I had to try it! The second I put the paste on the spider bite, it took away the sting and the itch, instantly! The pain had been constant for two days. Because the charcoal is black and messy, you put a bandage over the wound. I would reapply a fresh charcoal patch to my finger every morning and afternoon. To my amazement by the third day my finger had completely healed! That's when I really dug into the benefits of Activated Charcoal.

Activated charcoal is carbon produced from carbonaceous source materials such as nutshells, coconut husk, wood, coir, peat, coal, bone char, olive pits, sawdust and lignite. Activated Carbon, known as activated charcoal, has oxygen added to it to increase its porosity, thereby, adding to its surface area. This isn't the same charcoal as what you use on your grill. Charcoal briquettes are toxic. They have additional agricultural wastes and toxins, similar to lighter fluid, that are added. Activated charcoal is made with all non-toxic substances. It's normally used to remove chemicals, toxins, and gases. Activated charcoal also has a negative charge, that works like a magnet to draw the positively charged toxins, chemicals and gases to it, absorbing them. This is how it could heal my spider bit so quickly. It's porous surface with it's negative charge, attracted and absorbed quickly the venom shot into my hand and arm.

Here are a few benefits of having Activated Charcoal kept in the house. ​* Alleviates bloating and gas​* Helps with alcohol poisoning and hangovers​* Can be used in emergencies as a paste to heal bug bites and stings of the worst kind​* Can also be used in emergencies where someone has ingested poison (always call 911 first)​* Cleanses digestive track ​* Reduces high cholesterol * Can whiten teeth​* Can be used to help heal dog mange and other skin issues on animals*Can be used in a mud mask for the face to cleanse the pores

​It's important to note that if you are taking medications, please be aware that Activated Charcoal will absorb those as well, so this may not be a good idea to take until you are cleared by your doctor.

​How To Make An Activated Charcoal Patch*Take 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay and add 1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder. *Add a few drops of water to the powder mix and stir until you make a paste. ​*Apply the paste to sting or bite and cover with a bandage.

​This method can be done without the bentonite clay, but I add it in to give it some extra detoxing power and to help form the paste. Water alone is fine too!​

While looking for a pest control for my garden I ran across diatomaceous earth. After reading about all the health benefits of taking a tablespoon a day with lots of water, I decided to give it a try. A DE detox. As the story would go, I immediately, within a few days, noticed my nails started growing like crazy. Then after a few more days of using it 1-2 times a day with water, I watched as my skin became clear and youthful looking again. On the flip side, I was also becoming very sick! I started to feel nauseous all the time with a headache and pain, almost like the flu. In fact, I thought for a moment I had the flu. But I never get the flu, so that threw me off. Then I looked up the side effects and realized what was happening. My body was detoxing the bad bacteria from my body and I was experiencing die-off. Come to find out, die-off is a good sign! That means the DE is doing it's job. If you drink lot's of water and continue to use DE in smaller amounts, gradually you will not be effected by it and you will know, once the die-off dies off, that you have balanced your gut flora, for the time being.

​Diatomaceous Earth is an off-white, fine powder that is the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. It is 99% pure Silica. Silica helps the body use Calcium. It also repairs vital collagen which, in turn, contributes to healthy bones, ligaments, joints, cartilage and skin. Food-grade DE also contains 15 trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, phosphorous, selenium, copper, zinc and potassium.

​DE is safe to take on a daily basis. Again, if you are taking meds, always check with your doctor first. But for the average healthy person, taking DE daily has numerous benefits! I notice right away my skin looks more youthful. I also get boosts of energy from taking DE. Rule of thumb is to start out with 1-2 teaspoons a day for a week or two, then move up to 1 tablespoon/twice a day. There are no rules with DE, just be sure not to accidentally inhale it or get it in your eyes. It's best to use a plastic spoon when mixing it in water or smoothie. As far as how to take it and how often, that is a personal decision and whatever is comfortable for you.

​DE works by traveling through the stomach and intestines, literally scraping the walls and then dehydrating and killing any parasites, bacterial and fungal infections. To get an idea of how hard the edges of the silica crystals are, on a hardness scale diamonds are ranked at a 9. DE is ranked at a 7. By scraping and ridding the body of these energy zombies from your gut, you will feel more awake and coherent. Daily use contributes to the following.

Pineapple Juice For The Win

One of the best ways to heal up a scratchy throat and cough is to drink freshly juiced pineapple juice. For several years now we have juiced a pineapple every time we get a cough or have a sore throat. And every time it heals us up rather quickly! It usually only takes about 1-2 glasses of fresh pineapple juice to send a cough on it's way out the door. There have been several articles make the statement that pineapple juice is 5 times more effective than cough syrup, and I can confirm, that this is most definitely the case! In fact, one study performed by the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology in India, confirmed that fresh pineapple juice, with honey and pepper added, was found to be extremely helpful in dissolving mucus of the lungs in tuberculosis.

The pineapple's super-power lies within it's naturally occurring enzyme, bromelain, which reduces inflammation. This soothes the irritation of the throat and relieves the coughing. Bromelain is also a proteolytic enzyme, which means it digests protein. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Magnesium, all of which boost the immune system, which in turn helps ward off colds and illness. By triggering the body's production of substances that reduce swelling and fight pain, Bromelain is able to soothe and heal irritated coughs.

Benefits Of Drinking Pineapple Juice For A Cough

Cataract prevention via Vitamin A & C, which both play a key role in protecting vision

High amounts of Manganese which is an essential nutrient that helps protect cells against free radicals and strengthens bones and teeth

Very high fiber content helps with constipation and cleansing toxins from organs

Bromelain reduces inflammation, which in turn soothes pain and swelling

High Vitamin C content that is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. Also helps absorb minerals, maintain immune system, maintains teeth, bones & cartilage and helps in forming collagen.

These benefits will be most enjoyed when drinking fresh pineapple juice, right from the juicer. If you must buy store bought, make sure you get Organic, Not From Concentrate, No Sugar Added, and all that jazz pineapple juice. But you will reap the rewards of pineapples most from freshly squeezed juice!

Our personal experience has always been that once we give pineapple juice, no matter how long the cough has been around, it usually tends to disappear in a day or two completely after being given a couple of glasses of fresh pineapple juice. Or anytime I notice one of my children getting a cold, a glass of pineapple juice will ward it off. I keep going with the pineapple juice too, we keep drinking it for a few days just to keep illness away. Remember, natural remedies work best in strong bodies that aren't tainted with poisonous medications.

And you know the best part about pineapple juice?? It tastes WONDERFUL!!! My boys like the fresh pineapple juice the best, with a couple of ice cubes mixed in, so you're not drinking warm pineapple juice. It taste's delicious people, and it's so good for you! Cheers!

The aloe vera plant, Aloe barbadensis miller, has more healing properties than most other plants. The gel found on the inner leaf contains vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, niacin, B6 and B12. There are several minerals found in the aloe plant as well. Calcium, zinc, chromium, selenium, magnesium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper and manganese. All of these contribute to a healthy metabolism, activated cellular communication and help produce enzymes. They also contribute to strong teeth, bones and joints. A really simple and fabulous homemade toothpaste would be taking the gel from the leaf and mixing it with a drop of pure peppermint or spearmint essential oil. These two simple ingredients make a powerful, non-abrasive toothpaste that fights bacteria and strengthens the enamel.

​The aloe vera plant is also anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. When taken orally (I advise drinking aloe vera juice, I just feel it works better than taking pill-form), it can help with digestion, strengthen the immune system, help with nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, provides essential amino acids, help treat diabetes, heal stomach ulcers, relieve constipation, detox the body of toxins, parasites and candida and then some. This plant is powerful and a gem of the Earth!

​You can find aloe vera juice sold in stores and it's best to find pure, whole leaf organic aloe vera juice. That can get expensive though. An easy way to go about this is to buy an organic aloe vera plant to sit in your house, in some sunlight and water it everyday. You can then take a leaf and make your own aloe vera juice. Slice open a leaf and with a spoon, dig out the inner gel. Put the gel in a blender with a little bit of filtered or spring water and blend together. You can add fresh juice (lemon, orange) for added vitamin zing!

​Besides taking aloe orally, it can be used topically too. Because aloe has a neutral taste, smell and touch, it can be used in several different ways. In our house, we have healed pink eye three different times, in less than 24 hours. We have also healed ring worm. In fact, any time our boys have ever had a "skin issue" or irritation, we grab aloe, rub it on the skin and it's gone the next day. The important thing to remember when using a natural remedy like this to heal an infection or irritation, is to do it several times throughout the day. I cut open a leaf and open it up, then literally rub the inner gel right on top of the skin until ALL of the inner gel has been absorbed into the skin! You do this every few hours! This method has worked for us over and over for healing viral and fungal infections. Living in Texas and having a fair-skinned, redhead, I have also seen the aloe plant work it's wonders on sunburns. A part of the wonder is how quickly it heals!

​You can get an aloe vera plant at just about any store that sells plants or has a nursery. I picked up a handful of aloe plants at Home Depot and have them sitting around the house. I have two boys so there are a lot of scrapes, cuts, sunburns and a few of other childhood viral/fungal infections that have come through our house. Our favorite plant is the Aloe Vera plant, because it has helped us heal every single time!

​Coconut oil has been popular for a while now. But many people, with legit concern, questioned just how healthy coconut oil really is since...90% of the oil content is saturated fat. We were all taught that saturated fat is the enemy and that we must avoid it to be healthy at all costs. But is that the truth? Could some saturated fats be healthy for you?

Let's take a look at a few things...First, in the 1960's, the Sugar Research Foundation sponsored (funded) research by Harvard scientists to "refute" concerns about sugar's possible role in heart disease. Several studies were done between 1964-1966 that suggested sugar might be linked to coronary heart disease. Then, in 1967, the New England Journal of Medicine published the result funded by the Sugar Research Foundation. The paper concluded that the best way to prevent coronary heart disease was to cut fat out of American diets. You can read more about that here.

Next, in 2012, a team of researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology evaluated the health and lifestyle habits of more than 52,000 adults aged from 20-74. They concluded that there was a 28% lower​ mortality risk in women with higher ​cholesterol above 270mg/dl. They also concluded that if you're a woman, the risk for heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke are higher if you have cholesterol lower than 183mg/dl.​Then, in March 2014, using data from nearly 80 studies and more than a half million people, a meta-analysis was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. They concluded that those who ate saturated fat had no more heart disease than those who consumed less.

You have to decide for yourself what you believe. This research done by two Harvard researchers seems pretty legit to me. And wouldn't surprise me about the sugar industry. Not all saturated fats are created equal. Naturally occurring saturated fats are very good for our bodies. Processed saturated fats are not. To me, seems like the sugar industry may have been trying to give all saturated fats a bad name, while silencing the true effects of sugar. But, nonetheless, that's just my opinion after reading the research.

​The saturated fat that I mentioned above that is not good for you is the kind that is highly processed through hydrogenation. These are unsaturated fats that are turned into saturated fats by adding hydrogen atoms while heating the oil. This creates a thick, rancid oil that only benefits the shelf life of processed foods. Then there's the saturated fat found in meat. We don't eat meat in our house, but I know people do so I want to address this quickly. The hormonal growth promoters and antimicrobial growth promoters used in the production of meat are a major concern for overall human health. The disruption of normal human intestinal flora and the induction of resistant bacteria raise a huge concern about the antimicrobial growth promoters being used. You can read more about the hormones used in meat production, legally and illegally, here. The naturally occurring saturated fats found in coconut oil ​​are not only healthy for you, but are essential to your health!

​There are nearly 2,000 studies to date confirming the health benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil consists of medium chain fatty-acids called caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid. (lauric acid Medium chain fatty-acids are great because they quickly digest and convert to energy) They, in fact, burn fat already stored in your body and convert it to energy as well. There is not a high amount of micronutrients in coconut oil, but there are trace amounts of Iron, vitamin E and vitamin K. The main component that is giving it all it's grit is lauric acid. Lauric acid makes up 6.2% of the fat found in human breastmilk! These naturally occurring saturated fats also increase good cholesterol, while at the same time convert bad cholesterol to good cholesterol. As for brain health, coconut oil stimulates production of ketones in the brain. These ketogenic properties activate proteins that repair the brain. The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil are small enough to cross through the blood brain barrier. These MCT's have anti-convulsant properties that have been proven useful in controlling epileptic seizures. Please note, if you want to get the full benefits of coconut oil make sure you buy unrefined (unprocessed), organic, extra-virgin coconut oil. Check out all the scientifically-proven health benefits of coconut oil below!​​Benefits of Coconut Oil:When Used Topically​​* anti-aging​* healthy, shiny hair* heals various skin issues​* heals gum disease and tooth decay​* promotes hair growth, eye lash growth and eye brow growth when applied to roots​* acts as a sunscreen​* can replace moisturizer​* whitens teethWhen Used Internally​* treats cancer​* treats Alzheimer's​* treats kidney stones​* improves type 1 diabetes​* supports thyroid health​* reduces seizures* reduces stress* protects kidney and liver​* increases metabolism​* reduces inflammation and arthritis* boosts immune system* prevents osteoporosis* improves energy and endurance* improves brain function and memory* helps heal brain injuries* improves digestion​* reduces ulcers* balances hormones* anti-aging* fights candida and yeast infections​* builds muscle and decreases fat

​Coconut oil is a powerhouse of a food. You can easily get more in your diet by cooking with it. You can add it to protein shakes. Eat it on toast. Sometimes I just take a tablespoonful right out of the jar and swallow it. I also use coconut oil as a moisturizer at night and during the day I apply a light layer on my skin. There are so many ways to use coconut oil. A great summertime toddler hack is to blend coconut oil with pineapple or any other berries and a little bit of ice. Blend well and pour into ice trays to make healthy popsicle treats for your kids. Let me know how you have used coconut oil and we can keep adding to the list of wonderfulness that this oil produces!

Epsom salt is wildly popular in the holistic health community and for good reason. People have recently began to learn about the benefits, internal and external, of this wonderful "salt". I quote that word because Epsom salts aren't really salts at all, but rather a naturally occurring, pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. There have been several studies that show that magnesium and sulfate are highly absorbable through the skin. This is why Epsom salt baths are so popular and a great way to experience the benefits of this Earthly wonder.

Let's take a look at the several benefits of Epsom salt:​* Reduces inflammation of muscular and skeletalsystems* Sulfates help absorb nutrients​* Flushes toxins from the body​* Relieves constipation when taken orally with water​* Detoxes heavy metals when used in a bath* Helps regulate 325 enzymes found in the body​* Can be used to fertilize houseplants, gardens and yards, growing lush green plants​* Can be used as an insecticide​* Helps relieve stress by relaxing muscles and mind, readying you for a good night's sleep​* Will help clean out the gut when taken orally, balancing the guts pH

​There are several uses for Epsom salt, but I'm going to focus my post on Epsom salt baths. If you do decide to try to take Epsom salt orally, use a small amount (1 tsp) and drink a lot of water with it. Continue drinking water all day to help push everything out of your system. This is the natural answer to constipation. Oh, and please beware, it tastes NASTY! Now onto baths...

How To Take An Epsom Salt Bath To Get Maximized BenefitsWith Epsom salt baths you want to get the water as hot as you can handle it. This is important as it really helps relax the muscles and opens up the pores of your skin as large as they go, allowing for the magnesium sulfate to easily be absorbed and for toxins to easily be released from the body. For maximum results, when it comes to relaxing the muscles and relieving inflammation, pour no less than 4 cups of salts into your bath! Let these salts get in there, do their job and go beyond the call of duty! Be sure to soak no longer than 40 minutes.

​If you have young children who have a hard time falling asleep, you can run some warm/almost hot water in the sink and add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Then take a wash cloth and let the salt water absorb into the cloth. Wring out and wrap warm cloths around your kids feet (may take two cloths). You can also have them put their feet in the sink, if you prefer. This will help relax your child and help them fall asleep. You can do this for yourself as well, followed by a light foot scrub with a scrub brush will help release toxins through the feet.​​Source: “Report on Absorption of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) across the skin,” Dr. R.H. Waring, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K.

What Epsom Salt do I recommend? This right here. These ultra-fine crystals DO absorb quickly and more efficiently than the bigger crystals. This Therapeutic Soak relaxes the muscles and relieves all the tension better than any other salts I've used. I must tell you though, that this bath should most definitely always be done before bed. You will just want to melt into your bed afterwards. You will wake up relaxed and rejuvenated.

Natural Chelation Therapy

Every day we are being bombarded with toxins from our environment. From the building material in our homes (formaldehyde, asbestos, lead paint), the toxins in our air supply (Aldrin, chlordane, dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans, cadmium, mercury and aluminum (just to name a few) and, of course, pesticides used on our food. There's also nanoparticles, known as magnetite particles, that come from car exhausts, or any burning fuel, that releases into our environment. Scientists have found that these heavy metals and nanoparticles are embedding themselves in our brain tissue. All of these toxins are directly related to Alzheimer's and other deteriorating health issues. We are literally breathing in toxins every day and do not even realize it. So we have to stay on top of this, for our health and well-being. There are several ways to detox your body. It's very important to cleanse ourselves from the inside out, so this is where cilantro and chlorella come into play.

Cilantro and chlorella are natural chelating agents. If you go to the doctor, they will prescribe a pharmaceutical that is common for chelating lead and arsenic poisoning, but these have serious side effects. Cilantro and chlorella together bind to heavy metal toxin ions, removing them from your system via bodily excretions. Eating cilantro alone isn't enough. Cilantro binds to the heavy metal ions, but it's the chlorella that carry's it out of the body. Without the chlorella the metals bound to cilantro will just sit there in your body, creating more heavy metal side effects (moodiness, irritability, depression). Chlorella, an intestinal absorbing agent, prohibits retoxification! In fact, clinical studies recently proved that chlorella and cilantro together can naturally remove up 87% of lead, 91% of mercury and 74% of aluminum from the body within 42 days if taken correctly. This is great news!

​Before starting this natural chelating process, make sure you are taking plenty of magnesium (for your height/weight). Magnesium will relax your arteries, tissues and muscles, making it easier to detox.
​
Here is a link with the recommended doses for chelating heavy metals from the body. This describes exactly what you need to do to detox using this method. How To Detox Using Cilantro & Chlorophyll Tincture

​Below are links to the organic cilantro and chlorophyll supplements I prefer or if you live near an herb store you could have a chlorophyll and cilantro tincture potentially made for you! Remember, drinking lots of water during any detox is absolutely essential to move the toxins out of the body.

If you don't have apple cider vinegar in your kitchen cabinet (or bathroom cabinet) (or cleaning caddy) you will want to make sure you pick some up at the store next time you go. Apple cider vinegar has worked it's magic in our house, from healing sore throats, sinus congestion, irritated skin to stomach bugs, I have seen and experienced the wonders of this lovely vinegar! I have also seen it heal our dogs irritated skin and digestive track of parasites when added to his water. You can also add ACV to a spray bottle mixed with water to use as a natural cleansing agent on your kitchen countertops and bathrooms. Oh, and you want to know the best part? It's inexpensive.

ACV is made by a long fermentation process that takes around 7 months. During the fermentation, bacteria and yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process. The sugars are then turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter). The acetic acid is what gives the cider it's sour taste. The long fermentation process gives rise to the accumulation of a non-toxic slime composed of yeast and the acetic acid bacteria. This is known as the "mother" of the organic, unprocessed, unfiltered ACV, and it is usually found floating in the bottom of the jar. The "mother" is the most beneficial part of ACV!

Some of the nutrients found in ACV are pectin; vitamins B1, B2 and B6; biotin; folic acid; niacin; pantothenic acid; and vitamin C. These minerals are also found in ACV- sodium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.

​The acids in ACV bind with toxins and help detox the liver and cleanse the blood.

Apple Cider Vinegar is also a great facial toner! It's an antiseptic and anti-bacterial for starters. Unfiltered, organic ACV contains naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids help exfoliate dead skin on the surface, helping new skin grow. They also stimulate the growth of elastin and collagen. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you can dilute with filtered water and use a spray bottle to spray on face after washing, or you can lightly dilute the ACV and use a cotton ball to apply on your face.

When taking ACV orally, I advise no more than 1-2 tablespoons a day. And of course drinking it with water or hot tea and honey. Doing so first thing in the morning is a good ritual to start. For sinus congestion, I take a tablespoon of ACV and add 2 tspns of fresh, powdered cayenne pepper, mix it well together and take as a shot. I then wait a few minutes and follow with a glass of water. It's not an easy health shot to take, but if you are congested and in pain, this will most definitely help you!

Would you like to wake up in the morning and give yourself a little boost for the rest of the day? Eating fruit first thing in the morning has many, many benefits! Leave the pancakes behind. Studies have found that consuming a heavy breakfast inhibits fat oxidation throughout the day – these heavy meals often include animal products like eggs and bacon or sausages. A protein-heavy breakfast like eggs, bacon and toast will sit like a brick in your stomach and give you feelings of fatigue for the rest of the day. Switch your animal protein-based breakfasts for fruit, and you’ll notice immediate health improvements after just one week.

Eating fruit in the morning can do these things:-Enhances detoxification-Stimulates digestive track-Wakes up the body!-Aides in weight loss-Boosts the immune system-Creates an alkaline environment in the body-Helps you feel full & satisfied-Strengthens the heart-Decreases belly bloating

The vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants in fruit will work wonders for you in the morning, on an empty stomach. The fiber in fruit pushes out old waste matter in the digestive track. A really great morning fruit that acts like a diuretic is watermelon! The water-based fruit helps flush out excess sodium through urinating. The more sodium you flush out, the less water weight your body will hold. When the immunse system is boosted and you flush out these old toxins from the day before, your energy levels will increase. Melons drizzled with lime juice are a real energy booster!

These vitamin-packed, fresh ingredients are just a little taste of heaven.

For about 6 months in 2014 I was on a pico/salsa mission. I made a different one every week. I tweaked it a little bit each time to find just the right ingredients for a nutrient-packed, super tasty pico. I make this any time we go to a pitch-in or gathering. It is always the biggest crowd pleaser! I'm always getting compliments and requests for the recipe. There's usually not a drop left and I make a HUGE bowl of pico de gallo. This recipe can be chopped or blended to make a salsa. So here you have it...

Chop all vegetables and add to large bowl. If blending for a salsa, add vegetables to blender and blend, all except the green onion and cilantro. Once vegetables are blended or chopped and added to bowl, add the chopped green onion, cilantro, olive oil, salt and pepper. Then squeeze all the juice from the lime over the mixture. Stir well and let marinate in fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Bon appetit!

Hummus is jam packed with protein and fiber. There are 14.5 grams of protein and 12.5 grams of fiber per cup! The fiber in hummus helps balance bacteria in the gut, therefore balancing the bodies pH levels. Hummus also contains energy abundant carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and B vitamins. There are actually 80mg Calcium and 78mg of Magnesium per cup! This is an energy boosting, nutrition supplying, healthy, kid-friendly and adult-friendly snack that you can leave plain or spice it up however you like for even more yummy health benefits.

​Blend garbanzo beans, 1/2 can juice from one of the cans of beans, garlic clove, tahini sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper in blender until creamy. Pour into serving dish, sprinkle paprika and parsley on top, then drizzle with olive oil. Serve with pita bread, tortilla chips, vegetables or fruit. Serve on toast or on a sandwich with cheese and greens.

​To make Roasted Red Pepper hummus, use the same recipe above, minus the juice from can. Chop and core an organic red pepper. Set your oven on high broil. Put the pepper in the oven on a pan for 7-10 minutes. The edges of the pepper should be a little brown, "roasted" looking. After the pepper is finished, add it to the blender with everything else to be blended. The juices in the pepper make up for the juice from the can. You don't want your hummus runny!

Destress And Relax With This Natural Remedy

Golden Milk, or turmeric tea, is a health tonic that purifies the blood of toxins, gives relief to autoimmune diseases, clarifies the skin, relieves pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and helps relax the central nervous system, making for a great sleep aid! There are over 11,000 studieson the health benefits of the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin.

Golden Milk tonic has been used for centuries to aid in the healing of several ailments. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties can be thanked for that. The studies conducted on the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have found it 400 times more effective at activating the enzyme that improves insulin sensitivity to help reverse type-2 diabetes than the leading diabetes medication, Metformin. Curcumin is also anti-bacterial and can help heal bacterial infections, including oral infections. It also helps fight off environmental toxins by binding with heavy metals in the blood to be excreted. Toxin overload in the blood is the main culprit for skin issues and rashes, making curcumin very beneficial for those with eczema, psoriasis and other various skin rashes. Curcumin also helps prevent/treat cancer and liver disease. In one study, curcumin was found to decrease testosterone production in prostate cancer patients.

To add to the greatness of curcumin, it is also a wonder herb for anxiety and depression. It helps your body produce more of the natural mood boosters, serotonin and dopamine! Baylor University conducted a study on curcumin's anti-depressive properties and it showed that taking 1,000mg of curcumin a day could be just as beneficial as an antidepressant. Therefore, adding turmeric to your food daily could be beneficial for everyone, and possibly life-changing for people who suffer with anxiety and depression.

These findings mixed with it's anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes the nervous system for relaxation, is what makes this a great calming tea to drink before bed and a nice alternative to help people with insomnia. I can vouch for the calming effects of the tea and have made sure to drink it nearly every night.​Last, but not least, there have been about ZERO findings of side-effects from using turmeric. So enjoy as much and as often as you would like.

Below is the recipe that I use and it is my absolute favorite, not to mention easy and extra healthy! Don't forget the black pepper, as it helps the body absorb the curcumin! ​

Mix the ingredients

Simmer

Sip

To vegan-ize this recipe, use 2 cups of almond milk with organic, raw maple syrup instead of the honey.

If you're one of those people that can't deal with the taste of turmeric, you can always find a turmeric/curcumin supplement instead. Below are a few of my favorite choices!

Easily Make Delicious, Immune-Boosting Elderberry Syrup at Home

Elderberries are animmune-boosting powerhouse!They've been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years to heal people of illness and to keep people healthy. In fact, black elderberries can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where elderberries were the main ingredient in several medicines. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called this plant his “medicine chest” for all the ailments and illnesses it helped cure.

This elderberry syrup is extra potent, as I use 2 cups of elderberries, instead of the usual 2/3 cup or 1 cup. I also smash the berries for quite some time to get all the nutrients from these wonderful berries! Below are the benefits of this nutritious plant!

The other main ingredient of elderberry syrup is raw, unfiltered organic honey. And made into elderberry syrup it is pure, yummy, deliciousness! The raw honey is LOADED with nutrients. There are over 80 different vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants found in raw, unfiltered honey! The entire B-Complex can be found in honey, along with vitamins A, C, D, E and K. The mineral content includes magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, iodine and manganese. Raw, unfiltered honey is also an alkaline food, having one of the highest live enzyme contents of all foods! To top it off, the honey is also antimicrobial and antibacterial! As you can see, all of these nutrients, in combination with the nutrients from the elderberries make for a super, immune-boosting syrup! Which is why it is so powerful at kicking the flu, and other illness, to the curb, where it belongs! My recipe makes just a little over a quart. And it will stay good for up to 3 months in the fridge.
​

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

​1 cup raw, unfiltered organic honey
2 cups whole organic black elderberries
1 tablespoon organic clove powder
1 tablespoon organic ginger root powder
2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon of organic cinnamon powder
4 cups water
(this recipe ^ makes just over a quart of syrup-to make 2 quarts, add 2 more cups of water, and one more cup of honey to the recipe above)Instructions:Boil the elderberries and seasonings in the water for 45 minutes. Let it cool and then mash the berries with a spoon, through a strainer and into a glass bowl. Add the honey and stir. Store in the fridge. I mash the berries for 10 minutes, just to be sure I get all the goodness out of them. Quart sized mason jars are perfect for storing the syrup.

Need to make Vegan elderberry syrup? Just substitute the honey with 100% pure, organic maple syrup.

And How Will Elderberry Syrup Fight Off The Flu?...Elderberries have antioxidants called flavonoids (vitamin P) which are extracted and contained in the syrup. These flavonoids stimulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antihistamine properties. Elderberries also have compounds called anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in elderberries are believed to be what soothes aches, pains and fevers associated with the flu.

Ingredients are available through my affiliate links below or locate and call a local, natural grocer to see if they carry black elderberries! ​

​(please note, if you have any allergies or reactions to honey, any of the seasonings or the berries, for that matter, please do not use this recipe)

For Vegan Recipes

Start With The Core

This is a hardcore ab machine! It is so simply designed, yet super efficient. Ab wheels help strengthen all of the muscles in the abdomen area, especially targeting the deep layers of muscles that are hidden beneath the surface muscles. The ab wheels also help strengthen the spine as you balance yourself, going through the movement. The abdomen area is an area where most people would like to see an improvement. This little wheel works magic. I'll be honest, I don't fully extend my legs while using this, I do the exercise on the knees and even from that position I can feel it deep within my belly!​The key is to slowly go down and back up, keeping in rhythm and balanced. This is not an easy workout, so starting out with just 5 reps may be challenging, but you will FEEL the results if you only get down and do 5-10 at a time a few times a day! The movement of stretching and contracting and the full range of motion it provides, really works the rectus abdominus, the top layer of muscles, along with transerve abdominus, the deep spinal stabilizer muscles.​

​When you do this exercise you can either roll with your feet on the ground or your knees, like mentioned above. I advise starting from the knees to see how well you can balance yourself during this exercise. And, of course, as you strengthen your core you can try doing this exercise from the feet.

The Essential Door Gym Trainer

With a door gym trainer that fits on your door and can be used on the ground, with a variety of exercises, this bar alone can easily add exercise into your daily routine. It's great for pushups, reverse squats, planks, pull ups, chin ups, sit ups, crunches, dips, stairclimbers, etc. It's easy to accomplish your fitness goals when you can sneak in 25 pushups before you shower in the morning or some reverse squats mid-afternoon. The muscles targeted are abdomen, glutes, arms, legs, back, shouldesr and core muscles. I really like doing the leg lifts and knee lifts while hanging from the door. On the ground, hooking it in a doorway and doing full sit-ups is awesome! This is wonderful for holding planks and doing triceps dips as well! This is a definite yes addition to the home gym. You can easily store it away too. Bonus.

A Stability Ball With Perks

You can use the stability ball in so many different ways already, but then I found this bad-boy and loved the additions of the ring around the ball and the attached resistance bands. (I always advise blowing up stability balls with an electric air mattress pump. It just makes it easier.) I have this stability ball in my workout area and use the resistance bands along with a pair of dumbbells for my workouts. I also do a lot of the floor exercises for your abs where you use the ball between your knees or feet to lower the ball to ground. The workouts are fairly easy and truly strengthen your core.

​ There are several exercises for legs. One of my favorites is just holding the ball over your head and doing squats. Holding the ball over your head really works on your posture and form. And, of course, it adds some weight to your squats. I also enjoy waking up in the morning and lying my back over this ball, going into a back bend. It stretches my spine and even pops it into place at times. This was an absolute great find!

Cardio And Resistance Training Right At Home

Where do I begin? Thankfully I came across this one night while I was hunting online for a stationary bike. This is a magnetic bike that goes from low resistance to high resistance settings, allowing you to do cardio and burn calories. Or on high resistance you can really focus on strengthening the legs and glutes. It doesn't take much to start feeling a difference either. Just 30 minutes once a day or 20 minutes twice a day and you'll feel like fabulous! Grab your phone and check your emails or messages. Those 20 minutes will fly by and before you know it you will be doing 40 minutes twice a day!

​If you can wake yourself up before the sun rises and get on a comfortable stationary bike, like this one, you will be on the fast track to self-discipline and motivation. Once your heart gets pumping, you wake up, and can get a nice little workout in during the peaceful hours of the morning.

​ I put this bike together myself, albeit I am a bit handyman-ish, but it was easy enough. It's very sturdy and adjustable to fit all heights. It really is a great product and I highly recommend adding this to your home gym! The quality for the price you cannot beat. To your glutes and fabulous legs!

Now, I realize not everyone has room in their home for a bunch of exercise equipment. But having a couple things around at the house is convenient and can add inspiration to get busy working out!

Have you ever heard someone say that they eat healthy and can't tell a difference in their energy level and health? No matter how healthy you eat, if you have low stomach acid, your body won't absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat. Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCI) plays a much bigger role in our health than most people may realize. The stomach acid activates pepsin, the enzyme that breaks down protein, converting it to essential amino acids and nutrients. This stimulates the pancreas to make the bile and digestive enzymes needed to further break down the protein as well as carbohydrates and fats. HCI also kills pathogenic bacteria present in food, thus helping prevent illness and disease. When the body cannot break down the food properly and absorb nutrients, it will start to rob your tissues, joints and bones of protein and nutrients it needs, thus creating arthritis and other health issues.

One of the best ways to know if you're low on stomach acid is to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. If it makes you feel a little woozy or nauseas you most likely have low stomach acid. Another test is to mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning. If after 15 minutes you haven't belched, then you are most likely low on stomach acid.

​Now, too much stomach acid creates acid reflux. So what you want to do is neutralize the stomach acid so that it can properly digest and absorb nutrients.

​Our stomach acid decreases with age. But there are natural ways to neutralize stomach acid.

Here are 7 key ways to naturally neutralize stomach acid for digestion:1. Apple Cider Vinegar Drinking 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water 15-30 minutes before eating a meal will increase the stomach acid and activate pepsin. 2. Ginger Tea or Ginger Root Ginger neutralizes digestive juices.​3. Water Staying hydrated helps flush out toxic build up that blocks absorption. (Try not to drink water or any liquid 15 minutes before eating to 30 minutes after your meal as to not dilute stomach acid, so it can do it's job)​4. Fermented foods are loaded with digestive enzymes, probiotics and organic acids. Eating fermented vegetables with high protein meals is a great way to make sure you are properly breaking down and absorbing the protein.​5. Natural Iodine Therapy Iodine deficiency can lead to low stomach acid, as the stomach cells use iodine to produce hydrochloric acid.6. Lemons or Lemon Water Lemons are alkaline-forming, like Apple Cider Vinegar, and help neutralize acidity in the stomach. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass of water and drink it 10 minutes before your eat to help with digestion. 7. Aloe Vera Juice​ Aloe vera juice helps digestion by normalizing stomach acid and restoring pH balance. It also flushes yeast, toxins and parasites from the gut, creating an alkaline environment.

These simple adjustments could improve your digestion, allowing for your body to absorb the nutrients from your food and, thus, providing you with more energy throughout the day.

Disclaimer: The information in the articles on this blog are strictly of the opinion of the author. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, as this blog does not provide diagnosis or treatment. This blog is strictly for educational purposes. Some pages may contain affiliate programs with links.